HARRY KEWELL will decide in the next 48 hours whether he wants to make his childhood dream of playing for the Reds become reality.

HARRY KEWELL will decide in the next 48 hours whether he wants to make his childhood dream of playing for the Reds become reality.

Contrary to reports, the Leeds winger will not be signing for Liverpool today - or even this week. But he will decide by the middle of the week whether he wants to quit Elland Road. And if he does Liverpool remain ready to pounce.

The Reds are interested in the #7m Leeds man and have been buoyed by Arsenal's failure to secure a deal for the 24-year-old.

Gerard Houllier is still on holiday and chief executive Rick Parry is also out of the country. With Kewell continuing to weigh up his options, his future is not expected to be sorted out until next week at the earliest.

The key to the player's future could prove to be his childhood allegiance. Kewell was a devoted Liverpool fan as a youngster in his native Australia and the opportunity to play for the Reds could be too strong for the player to resist.

The Gunners have been leading the chase for Kewell, and are already believed to have seen off the challenge of Manchester United.

But the Yorkshire club have yet to agree the transfer of a player who has one year remaining on his #60,000 a week contract.

Arsene Wenger's limited transfer budget means he would prefer a cash-plus-player deal for Kewell but the cash-strapped Elland Road outfit want a straight money offer if Kewell makes it clear he is unwilling to sign a new contract.

Bernie Mandic, the play-er's agent, admitted today it was between Arsenal and Liverpool. United have given up on the deal and will only renew their interest if a #15m deal for Ronaldinho, which is set to be completed in the next couple of days, falls through at the 11th hour.

He said: "Harry will make a final decision by the end of the week. Certainly Liverpool are an option, as are Arsenal."

* Emile Heskey has committed his future to Liverpool and hopes to make more of an impact after an "unlucky" campaign last season.

The England striker, who scored just nine goals last season, said: "I've recently spoken with Gerard Houllier and he's assured me on my future at the club.

"I was often unlucky last season. I think it was a poor year but I've never lost hope and I want to rediscover my form for next season."